Latest Product Mfg Technical Articles

Meet the Meca500 6-axis arm, a robot known for its ultra-high precision and compact footprint. Learn how to use the web…

Meet the Meca500 6-axis arm, a robot known for its ultra-high precision and compact footprint. Learn how to use the web server for programming and 6-axis jogging with a structured text interface.

The stack light has a simple but powerful purpose: to report the status of the equipment. Follow along as we take a deep…

The stack light has a simple but powerful purpose: to report the status of the equipment. Follow along as we take a deep dive into the venerable illuminated signal tower.

Learn how to set up a VFD, from initial unboxing to configuring the network parameters necessary to drive some simple…

Learn how to set up a VFD, from initial unboxing to configuring the network parameters necessary to drive some simple motion from a PLC.

Alignment procedures for pulleys and shafts are a key to preventing costly breakdowns. An effective strategy pairs…

Alignment procedures for pulleys and shafts are a key to preventing costly breakdowns. An effective strategy pairs alignment with vibration analysis to both prevent and predict these downtime events.

After working with solenoid valves for many years, there are still a few questions: is AD or DC voltage better? Do we…

After working with solenoid valves for many years, there are still a few questions: is AD or DC voltage better? Do we really need lubrication? I turned to an expert for some answers.

Explore the art of automated palletizing and the different ways you can accelerate the packaging process using PLC and…

Explore the art of automated palletizing and the different ways you can accelerate the packaging process using PLC and robotic controls.

Servo drives interact with hardware axes, but there are many ways to configure the motion. I/O signals allow connections…

Servo drives interact with hardware axes, but there are many ways to configure the motion. I/O signals allow connections of sensors and switches for functions like homing and setting travel limits.

Learn how to use simple ladder logic and discrete outputs to control the e-Actuator series from SMC, an interesting…

Learn how to use simple ladder logic and discrete outputs to control the e-Actuator series from SMC, an interesting electric motion axis designed to operate with only simple discrete signal inputs.

Learn about OT resilience strategies, including SSH, authentication, port blocking, and MAC address binding, methods that…

Learn about OT resilience strategies, including SSH, authentication, port blocking, and MAC address binding, methods that can be employed to protect network switches.

Networked remote I/O allows machine centers to operate while physically separated from the rest of the system, and often,…

Networked remote I/O allows machine centers to operate while physically separated from the rest of the system, and often, the solution can drop right into place.

When dealing with two or more I/O systems, the subject of power supply commons will arise. Sometimes the solution is…

When dealing with two or more I/O systems, the subject of power supply commons will arise. Sometimes the solution is simple, but it can require creativity to find the best (and safest) solution.

Alignment is an often overlooked element in operations, leading to both energy efficiency and equipment longevity in…

Alignment is an often overlooked element in operations, leading to both energy efficiency and equipment longevity in rotating machinery.

Motion systems come in many forms. Hydraulic motion brings some unique problems, not seen in electric systems. This…

Motion systems come in many forms. Hydraulic motion brings some unique problems, not seen in electric systems. This article will focus on how to recognize prominent failures quickly and correctly.

Learn how electric actuators can replace fluid systems with SMC’s e-Actuator series, offering simple setup, clean…

Learn how electric actuators can replace fluid systems with SMC’s e-Actuator series, offering simple setup, clean operation, and accurate motion contro

I had some questions about firewalls for industrial networks, topics like selecting, configuring, and updating the…

I had some questions about firewalls for industrial networks, topics like selecting, configuring, and updating the software, so I turned to some experts for a little advice.

Finding a good PLC simulator can be challenging. Read an assessment of Factory I/O and learn how it works, how to get…

Finding a good PLC simulator can be challenging. Read an assessment of Factory I/O and learn how it works, how to get started, and how to use it in your automation learning journey.

IO-Link technology keeps improving, and with the recent introduction of Safe IO-Link, the automation world is going to…

IO-Link technology keeps improving, and with the recent introduction of Safe IO-Link, the automation world is going to get a whole lot more modular.

IO-Link has established itself as a reliable field network that’s constantly evolving with new generations of devices.…

IO-Link has established itself as a reliable field network that’s constantly evolving with new generations of devices. Learn how to configure logic directly on the IO-Link master.

H-bridge circuits are commonly used to provide current switching capabilities to different electrical components in…

H-bridge circuits are commonly used to provide current switching capabilities to different electrical components in automated systems like motor control circuits, VFDs, and DC/AC current conversions.